Evan Jager’s Path to Olympic Glory in Rio Starts at 109th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory

Evan Jager has already proved that he belongs on a short list of the best steeplechase runners in the world, but he wants to take the next step in 2016 and win an Olympic medal.

Jager will use the NYRR Millrose Games on February 20th at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory to help get his 2016 season rolling. He is entered in a loaded 3,000 meters field that will see him take on 10-time NCAA champion and former St. Benedict's Prep star Edward Cheserek of Oregon, Nike Oregon Project teammates Cam Levins and Eric Jenkins, and Jager's Nike Bowerman Track Club teammates Ryan Hill and Lopez Lomong.

In 2015, Jager broke the American record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with 8:00.45 and later finished sixth at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing. Those results amounted to near-misses. He missed the sub-8 minute barrier and missed the medals.

In 2016, Jager brings renewed hope to his goal.

"I definitely feel like I’m close," Jager said, "I'm right there. I just need to run a perfect race in order to do it. It's achievable."

Jager's short-term goal includes qualifying to compete at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Ore., where he has lived for the past seven and a half years.

The NYRR Millrose Games is part of that build up.

"With this year being an Olympic year, the NYRR Millrose Games is the perfect venue to start off my racing," Jager said. "I'm excited to go back to The Armory to run the 3K. I'm hoping to get the U.S. and World indoor standard, enjoy the race atmosphere, and compete for the win."

Levins will return after dominating the 2-mile and mile races at the Armory Track Invitational in 2015. He broke the Canadian 2-mile record at The Armory in 2013. Lomong broke the American record in the indoor 5,000 meters at The Armory in 2013, when he ran 13:07.00. Hill won the U.S. outdoor title in the 5,000 meters.

TIME ADJUSTMENT: The time of the NYRR Millrose Games on February 20th will be from noon to 6 p.m.